Wingate and the Chindits: Redressing the Balance

by David Rooney

"David Rooney has done Wingate’s memory a signal service." The Spectator.

Major General Orde Wingate, DSO and two bars, who had created and personally led the Chindits, was killed in an air accident in 1944, at the height of the second Chindit campaign.

General Slim joined the world-wide tributes paid to Wingate: but by 1956, to the distress of the Chindits, in his book Defeat Into Victory, Slim was dismissive of Wingate. What had happened to change Slim's mind so completely?

David Rooney examines the life and achievements of a maverick soldier who inspired loyalty in some, hostility in others. Rooney's thoughtful and diligent research throws new light on Wingate’s intriguing character, discovers why Slim changed his mind, and discloses details of the vendetta by which the military establishment, in the years after his death and following the viciously critical attack in the Official History, attempted to destroy Wingate’s reputation.

Rooney draws a balanced portrait of a military mind of daring originality, deserving of a better letter.

This seminal work of military history is not only an insightful portrait of a unique British commander, but it is essential reading for anyone interested in the Second World War, special forces and the history of the British Army.

Praise for Wingate and the Chindits.

‘His current book is, therefore, an exercise in setting the record straight… Rooney is presenting an unabashed case for the defense, and he does so with skill. Every student of the Burma campaign will want to examine this book carefully.’ (Raymond Callahan, author of Churchill and His Generals and Burma 1942-45)

‘David Rooney's Wingate and the Chindits: Redressing the Balance … attempts to redress the balance in favour of Wingate and to counter the unfair reputation he has acquired, in Rooney's view, among the military establishment.’ (History Today)

Genres: History, Military History, World War II, War, Biography

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

David Rooney is a historian and has taught in many important institutions, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Amongst his previously published titles are Wingate and the Chindits, Burma Victory, and Military Mavericks. He lives in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Reviews

[Simon Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive biography of a very unusual and much misunderstood figure from the forgotten war against the Japanese in Burma during WW2. The book is part story of Wingate's career leading up to and during his time in Burma and part refutation of the rubbishing of his career and achievements by the British establishment after the war (once he was safely dead). The latter part can get a little repetitive, but overall a fascinating book, especially as there are not many out there.

[Ray Theron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rooney's book about Orde Wingate and the Chindits is a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in WWII.

Redressing the balance is exactly what he does. Wingate was a brilliant leader, loved by his men and admired by virtually everyone who served with him, but his background, his unconventionality and the sheer brilliance of the man galled the established old-school military elite and his ability to think beyond the staid, tried and true methods of the staff and general officers made him hated by these men. After his death, people like Kirby (who wrote the Official History) maligned and misrepresented him when he could not defend himself. His superiors, with a few exceptions like Churchill and Mountbatten, tried to pretend that his Long Range Penetration concept had little or no effect on the war in Burma, but the Japanese commanders he fought against him had nothing but praise for a soldier they considered a worthy enemy.

The book is a pleasure to read, although the maps could have been clearer and better. I highly recommend this study of a unique officer, leader and man.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by David Rooney is quite a good book. David Rooney has slanted the book in favour of Orde Wingate. I assume that this is fair, considering the shabby treatment he has received at the hands of people like Field Marshall Slim, and some others.

The book runs through Orde Wingate’s life, from the early days to the military campaigns he was involved in. David Rooney does not go into the details of the campaigns but gives us a good overview of the activities, and Wingate’s contributions to each.

Wingate’s contributions to developing innovative techniques in war have often been underplayed by people like Field Marshall Slim. I would advise anyone who wants to learn more, to start with this book, and then read others. Israel has, however, honoured Orde Wingate for his contributions to their country.

My suggestion, for people interested in studying the war in Burma and Kohima is – start with this book, and then dive deeper into the subject.

[Old Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest I didn't know that the balance needed redressing. I'm from a working class background so Wingate has always been a hero. Why? Because until he came along our army, Britain's, had struggled to beat the Japanese. Wingate showed that Japanese soldiers weren't invincible.
A good read about a great man.